Innovative approach to regional branding announced by Wagtown.
?? Let's party, bond, and celebrate! Humans and dogs: an economic, quality of life, public safety, public health, and tourism gold mine. ?? In dog-friendly communities, there is no shortage of parties with happy dogs in costume, fundraisers, meet-ups, off-leash areas.?The key is knowing what your community has to offer. If your community has not recognized the opportunities of dog-friendly branding, you're not alone.
Those of you who are catalysts and disruptors, you are like me. You are motivated to take action to improve the vibrancy of your region. I created a mechanism to give dog owners a voice. 38% of people now travel with their pets along. Those travelers pay for the tourism board and they convey the message of "who your community is."
?? What is your bureau of travel & tourism saying about your region? "Do a search for convention and visitors bureau [insert your city's name]." You're now a few short clicks away from knowing the answer to that question. Do you like what you found? More importantly - what are you going to do about it?
How can you implement a dog-friendly initiative in a manner that produces the phenomenon that I call #DollarsFollowDogs. Step one is awareness. Dog owners in Dayton, Ohio are starting to create a community in our test market. Projects and programs brought to life by Wagtown have reframed the conversation about the impact of the human-animal bond.
The first target that could benefit is the Dayton, Ohio Convention and Visitors Bureau. ?
If you're from the Dayton region, now is your (and your dog's) chance to be heard.
?? {SPOILER ALERT: PLEASE sign, share, post, & promote this important project with all of your dog-loving friends. This is a win for neighbors and out-of-towners. Go to?wagtown.org/petition?to show leaders your support. Keep reading for details.}
This week on Wagtown Wednesday, I'll show you:
??? Tools to find out what's happening and available near you
??? How CITIES CAN DO BETTER to recognize the value placed on animals!
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?? If you have dog-friendliness blooming near you, your community should be telling people about it ... "where to party with your dog." Am I right?! WOOF
???? What a great statement to make about where you live.?
?? Let's shout it to the rooftops! You have recognized the value of a guide to the community from a dog's perspective. Now, let's ask our communities to highlight info like:
??? Dog-friendly bars and restaurants
??? Fundraisers for animal welfare
??? Veterinary care
??? Emergency care
??? Dog-related services
??? Specialty experiences like dock diving
??? Festivals that welcome dogs
??? Pups on Patios venues
??? Dog-friendly accommodations?
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??? Off-leash areas
??? Dog-friendly parks
??? Annual animal welfare galas?
?? ?? In my travels, I've seen communities that prioritize the treatment of animals. They celebrate with events that fill calendars all year long.?
Those towns help spread the word about humane organizations, attract dog-lovers to visit, relocate, live, and love there, invite tourism, and elevate vibrancy. ??
?? In short, they tell you "where the wag happens!"?
But, some places aren't there yet. They DO have a community of residents and visitors who value how their dog is welcomed. Still, in too many places, nothing is mentioned about the many dog-friendly reasons to live there.?
I am going to ask for it. And, I'd like you to help me.?
?? Here in Dayton, Ohio, the ONLY reference point for dog owners is a dot next to hotels in the area that are pet friendly. That is it!???
?? Let's change that! Wagtown is leading the charge to ask the Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau to update their guide to include info for those who value dog friendliness. Their funding is primarily hotel taxes – AND recent research shows that 38% of travelers take their dog along.?? That number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. So, it makes financial sense for them to offer something that truly speaks to dog families.?
I'm asking you to do something very specific to make a difference for dogs in your area...and those who are visiting.?
?I am asking for your help. I have started a petition at ...
... to show leaders in the Dayton area that the demand for a dog-friendly guide is high. Please join the pack and add your name to those who value dogs enough to ask for their recognition. We need all of the Dayton region signatures as we can get. If you don't live here, but would love to visit (maybe to check out the nation's first Wagtown Barking Spots along the Dog Trail!), please sign as well.?Your voice as a visitor is also an important part of the solution.
?? AND YES! This is doable. In 2008, a group of us were able to add outdoor recreation info to the guide. Now, it is pervasive. Why? They saw and demand and opportunities rising. As outdoor recreation became more mainstream in Dayton, Ohio, it became a part of the community's story. It was a wonderful transformation. A quick glance at the Destination Dayton guide will show you the vibe added and statement made through promoting active lifestyles accessed through open space.?
?? Just think how great it would be to have it "dogged up!" Join us today. Let's make the wag happen in Dayton, Ohio. Sign today and add your voice!?
If your community needs help with it's "dog-friendly image," please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It will take all of us...one wag at a time.
Keep wagging!
Beth Cherryholmes Miller, Founder of Wagtown and the leading nation's leading #DogFriendlyExpert ?
#DogFriendly #Wagtown #DollarsFollowDogs #WhereTheWagHappens
[www.wagtown.org for more info]
Speaker | Consultant | Creator | Leader | Author
3 年Thank you, everyone! Your petition signatures are adding up and will make a difference. Keep them coming and we'll give pets a voice in their community.